Rabbi Explains How to Rediscover Inner Joy by Shedding Negativity

Rabbi Zamir Cohen, in his weekly lecture, addresses the common feeling of lost happiness and simplicity, often experienced in childhood. He explains that according to Jewish thought, the inner light of joy and truth does not disappear but becomes obscured by life's challenges, disappointments, and worries.

Drawing on the teachings of Maharal, Rabbi Cohen clarifies that the human being is born with powerful, yet unrefined, innate forces. While external experiences can create "layers" over a person's pure inner truth, these experiences do not alter their fundamental essence. He illustrates this with a story about the Chafetz Chaim, who used a fogged mirror to show a despairing man that his core self was intact and only needed to be "wiped clean."

Rabbi Cohen proposes practical ways to achieve this inner cleansing. Adopting the Torah's guidance, such as observing Shabbat, provides a necessary pause from daily pressures, fostering connection with oneself and family. He also emphasizes the importance of releasing anger and grudges, citing the biblical commandments "You shall not take revenge nor bear a grudge." Holding onto resentment, he explains, accumulates internal "mud," and letting it go benefits the individual most.

Furthermore, Rabbi Cohen introduces the principle "after the actions, the heart is drawn," from the Book of Education. This suggests that initiating positive actions, even without immediate emotional change, can gradually reshape one's feelings and mindset. He likens this to Rabbi Akiva's observation of water drops eventually carving a hole in stone, highlighting that consistent small efforts lead to significant spiritual transformation. The goal, he concludes, is not to become someone new but to return to one's inherent self, channeling innate strengths constructively to allow inner joy to shine through.